Jesus is our Good Shepherd, yes, He is! Shepherding is one of the oldest professions in Bible times. Way back in Genesis, Abel was introduced like this, “Now Abel was a keeper of flocks.” Genesis 4: 2 To a group of unknown shepherds, angels appeared in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus, who would one day be known as the Good and Gentle Shepherd.
Shepherding was no easy job. They often protected their flock from many predators such as lions, bears, hyenas, and leopards, who loved to hunt for sheep as part of their evening meal. Fighting off these ferocious animals was no easy chore either.
Protecting their sheep was the Shepherd’s job.
He not only protects them from other predators but from wandering away.
The Shepherd was diligent in keeping them from wandering away, from wandering into danger.
Part of the shepherd’s duty was also to lead them to streams or to wells that were dug in the wilderness with troughs of clean water to keep them refreshed in the dry desert climate.
Yes, the Shepherd makes sure He provides water to bring continual refreshment.
Sounds like our Good Shepherd Jesus doesn’t it? Here’s what He has told us: “I am the good shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10: 11
Jesus did lay down His life for us on that old rugged cross.
An interesting fact about sheep is that they can be in a large pen with several other shepherds and their flocks, but they will only respond to their Shepherd’s voice. That’s why Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10: 27
Many voices are clamoring for us to listen to, but we must only follow the voice of our Shepherd who is gentle and good.
The more time we spend listening to our Shepherd, the quicker we can get to know Him. “I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” John 10: 14
Getting to know our Shepherd causes us to live like this saying, “The Lord is My shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23: 1
As we position ourselves for Him, in His graciousness, He will provide the things we need, not the things we just want. Part of disciplining ourselves is to learn the difference between our needs and our wants.
A need is defined as something necessary to live and function.
Yes, Jesus is all we need to function and live. We live because He lives!
He is all that we need and so, so good!
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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